Designing with Love
Designing with Love
What does it take to design learning experiences that truly work? Join Jackie Pelegrin, award-winning instructional designer and Grand Canyon University (GCU) adjunct instructor, as she explores instructional design, e-learning, and AI integration. Expect actionable tips, real-world insights, and conversations with students, alumni, and industry leaders shaping the future of learning.
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Designing with Love

Designing with Love

Designing with love, purpose, and heart.

This show explores instructional design, e-learning, and how to incorporate AI technology into different aspects of the field.

Tune in for expert tips, real-world insights, and inspiring stories from students, alumni, and leaders in the field.

Recent Episodes

136
July 26, 2026

Alumni Engagement That Works With Jennifer Cunningham

Most schools and nonprofits don’t have an “engagement problem” they have a follow-up problem. If you’ve ever gone to a campus event, felt a quick burst of nostalgia, and then never heard anything meaningful again, you’ve seen the gap firsthand. I sit down with alumni engagement and nonprofit consultant Jennifer Cunningham to unpack what actually turns a one-time attendee into a connected community member who mentors, hires, volunteers, advocates, and eventually gives back. Jennifer shares how a
135
July 22, 2026

Myth: Technology Automatically Improves Learning

A shiny new tool can feel like instant progress, but what if it quietly makes your course harder to learn? Jackie is tackling one of the most stubborn myths in instructional design and education: the idea that technology automatically improves learning. Whether you’re rolling out a new LMS, testing an AI content creation tool, or adding interactive features to eLearning, the real question isn’t “Is it modern?” It’s “Does it help learners do something meaningful?” Jackie breaks down why this bel
134
July 19, 2026

Human Connection in Teaching With Lou Hirsch

Most of us can remember a teacher who noticed us, but we struggle to remember the worksheet, the lecture slide, or the exact content on the exam. That’s where this conversation with Dr. Lou Hirsch lands: the real unit of change in higher education isn’t another tool or another “coverage” strategy, it’s the small, intentional moments of human connection that create trust and make learning stick. We talk about why modern systems built on speed, scale, and deadlines often squeeze out creativity, e
133
July 15, 2026

Myth: Accessibility Is Optional If Your Learners Don't Request It

The fastest way to lock learners out of your course is to wait for them to ask for access. We’re tackling a stubborn myth in instructional design and education: “Accessibility is optional if learners don’t request it.” It sounds reasonable on paper because many organizations have formal accommodation processes, but it breaks down in real life when learners don’t feel safe disclosing, don’t have documentation, or don’t even know what to ask for until they’re already struggling. We unpack why thi

Recent Blog Posts

July 26, 2026

Alumni Engagement That Works With Jennifer Cunningham

Engaging alumni effectively can be a daunting task for educational institutions and nonprofits. Many organizations struggle to turn initial interest into lasting involvement and investment. In this post, we'll explore five proven strategies to foste…
July 22, 2026

The Myth of Technology in Learning: Why It Doesn’t Automatically Improve Outcomes

In the fast-paced world of education and instructional design, a prevailing myth continues to shape how we approach technology: the belief that technology automatically improves learning. This assumption often leads educators and instructional desig…
July 19, 2026

Human Connection In Teaching With Lou Hirsch

In today's fast-paced educational environment, the importance of human connection is often overlooked. As educators, we face the challenge of creating engaging and impactful learning experiences that resonate with students. In this blog post, Jackie…

About the Host

Jackie Pelegrin Profile Photo
Jackie Pelegrin

Award-Winning Instructional Designer, College Professor, Consultant, and Podcast Host

Jackie, an Arizona native, leverages decades of experience as an award-winning instructional designer within both higher education and the corporate world. She holds an MBA and a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology, both acquired through online learning. In addition to her full-time role, Jackie serves as an award-winning adjunct instructor, teaching online courses at Grand Canyon University. During her leisure time, she delights in reading books across a range of genres, enjoying movies and TV shows, playing games, listening to uplifting music, and spending quality time with her family and friends.